By focusing on disease, we create anxiety and fear, which itself creates disease by causing stress and disarming the immune system. Instead, by focusing on health, women can move from a position of fear to a position of empowerment.

For the benefit of our beloved womenfolk, I now share vital (from the Latin vitalis “of or belonging to life”) information on staying healthy.

Vital foods

Eat organically-grown foods with vital colors – the bright greens of broccoli and avocados, the bright reds of tomatoes and strawberries, the sunny colours of lemons and pomegranates, the purples of grapes and blackberries. These and many other vegetables and fruits are chock-full of antioxidants and proven anti-cancer agents.

The colorful signals of health-giving nutrients

The rich colors of spices are similar signals of health-giving nutrients and digestive stimulants. According to Ayurveda, strengthening the digestion with spices helps eliminate toxins and optimises absorption of food nutrients. Turmeric and ginger are known anti-cancer spices.

Rosemary and broccoli are known to promote healthy oestrogen over cancer-causing oestrogen, while resveratrol (found in red grapes and wine) blocks harmful oestrogen.

Don’t believe the anti-fats hype, and balance your fat intake with fish oils, olive and flaxseed oils, and saturated fats like butter, ghee (clarified butter) and coconut oil.

Good fats are necessary to nourish the nervous system and our cell membranes, and to prevent inflammations and cancers.

Definitely avoid hydrogenated fats (also called trans-fats) found in many commercial foods – these are artificial fats which wreak havoc with the body’s messaging systems and immune system, and promote uncontrolled cell division in the breasts.

Smart skincare

What you apply on your body goes into your body. Would you eat your detergents, lipstick and skin creams? If not, think twice about applying them. Breast tissue has been found to store many cancer-causing substances found in detergents and skincare.

Use products which are as natural as possible – and use the least possible. Allow your skin to breathe – it is a major organ of elimination.

Regularly soak your bare skin in early morning sunshine, just for 15-20 minutes. Research has found that vitamin D can significantly reduce cancer risk – perhaps by over 50%. What is the cheapest and best source of vitamin D? Sunshine! Plus, it reduces stress and improves mood – further strengthening the immune system.

Become more proactive in demanding safer personal care, cosmetics, and household products for our women, children and men.

Relaxation for breast health

Chronic stress is known to disrupt the immune system – the healthy functioning of which is the key to preventing cancer. My dear women, whether you are mothers or career people, you owe it to yourselves and your loved ones to take time out to relax. Relaxation is the body’s most powerful healing mechanism.

Yoga postures & breathing for relaxation

Yoga postures and breathing, done with awareness, are among the most effective methods of relaxation known – they have been tried and tested over thousands of years. Adopt a daily personal practice, and you will reap many benefits.

Moving lymph

Lymph forms part of the body’s immune and waste-disposal system – and the breasts are surrounded by lymph tissue. Tight bras restrict breathing – and deep breathing is the lymphatic system’s main pump.

Regularly allow the breasts “breathing space” by spending time without a bra. Practice movements like yogic Sun Salutations, emphasising deep in and out breaths. Women with larger breasts can perform more gentle movements.

Another way to move lymph and increase circulation is to get regularly massaged, or perform self-massage as part of your daily routine. When having it done for you, ask for the breast area and underarms to be gently massaged.

Breast self-massage is a much more positive, enjoyable and loving act than anxiety-inducing breast “self-examination”. Use a nourishing oil like warming sesame or cooling coconut – depending on your body type (see Body Types article).

Thermography – the safer testing method

Thermography is a gentle, non-invasive method of detecting early abnormalities which may lead to cancer. It does not expose womens’ breasts to X-rays, which are known to cause cancer – rather it detects changes in the temperature of the breasts.

As cancer is now understood to begin with inflammation, it makes more sense to detect early signs of inflammation, which enables women to proactively take charge of their health with a natural anti-inflammatory regime.

Breast thermography is becoming more available, and there are now a number of centres in New Zealand. Ask Gerald for further information.

Detox and rejuvenate

Breast tissue is fatty, and is a prime target for accumulation of environmental toxins such as pesticides, which can remain for decades. It is advisable that women periodically undergo a detox programme. Research on ayurvedic detox programmes called Panchakarma, have shown that they can significantly clear PCBs and other fat-soluble toxins.

Following detox, Ayurveda considers it essential to support the tissues with diet and herbs that are nourishing, and that offer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-stress and anti-cancer actions. This is Ayurveda’s secret for slowing the ageing process and maintaining optimum health.

Recovering our lost treasure

Last year, I asked the foremost female writer and authority on Ayurveda, Swamini Mayatitananda (formerly Maya Tiwari), what she felt was the essence of breast health. Her message, specially for this ezine article, is this:

“ Over thousands of years we have lost touch with nurturing Mother energy and consciousness. This has resulted in wars, pollution and disrespect for our bodies and for each other.

Breast cancer is a product of that disconnection. Women – as well as men – need to reconnect with the archetypal, primal Mother consciousness.

Awareness is the key, self-awareness gained by pausing our obsessive Doing, and practising the state of Being. ”

The breasts are more than private organs to be stowed away for the most part of the day. The human tragedy is that womens’ breasts have been the subject of shame, guilt and conflicted thinking – both for women and men. Conflicted thinking causes disturbed energy, or Prana; finally causing a disturbance and breakdown in cellular organisation – also known as cancer.

Yet, in truth, breasts are profoundly symbolic organs of femininity and nurturing motherhood. They are the energetic guardians of the heart, of the emotions of bonding and family, of feminine sensuality. To men, they create a deep longing, usually interpreted as sexual attraction. But I believe it is a longing for something more primordial – perhaps the longing for the return of nourishing Mother consciousness on Earth.

My beloved women, may you care for yourselves and stay eternally healthy, and may we share in the return of a nurturing consciousness.

If you feel this article would help someone you know, please share it with them by clicking below!

For a comprehensive breast health programme, have a consultation with Gerald. Call on 0800 23 50 23 or book online.

Copyright Gerald Lopez 2009. All Rights Reserved.

Blue lotus - symbol of the heart chakra

Stress creates the opportunity for growth – physically and mentally. The important point is that periods of stress must be followed by periods of recovery for growth to occur – otherwise, instead, there is damage or burnout. This is the principle that is used in world-class athletic training – and can be applied to all aspects of life.

Burning the candle at one end…

In the 21st century, we find ourselves burning the candle at both ends. We have increasingly-plentiful causes of stress, for example:

• more changes in life – in jobs, homes, locations, friends and colleagues
• more brain stimulation – ads, tv, news, email, computers
• more electromagnetic stimulation – radio waves, microwaves, house appliance electromagnetic forces
• more body challenges – chemicals, poor food choices, stimulants, drugs (even medicines!)
• social challenges – raising families in isolation, immigration, urban living
• economic challenges – “recessions”, corporate restructuring, higher costs of living

Then at the other…

Yet we have less opportunities for recovery, such as “time out” after work, silence, family time and support, etc.

The problem is, when we are stressed we start “coping” – we accept higher and higher levels of stress. Then – too late – we reach a tipping point when we definitely “feel stressed out”, or worse, “burned out.” Even worse still, our bodies can break down with diseases like inflammation (heart attacks, arthritis), autoimmune disorders, or cancer.

This happened to me two years ago: all the signs of stress were there, and I ignored them. Then my left eye became completely inflamed and I lost my sight. Six months later the retina detached, needing emergency surgery. After two years, my eyesight has not yet recovered. How many people are paying the price for ignoring the symptoms and signs of stress?

I see this every day: a little prevention is better than a huge amount of cure.

The signs of stress

Here are some signs of stress:

• feelings of anxiety and reduce ability to cope – often feeling overwhelmed
• pain or tightness in the shoulders, neck or other places; headaches
• digestive problems, increased cravings and need for stimulants
• raised blood pressure, palpitations
• increased frequency and duration of colds and flus
• impaired sexual function
• fatigue, lethargy, poor sleep
• irritability, impatience, not having “enough time” – especially for relaxation

Unmanaged stress is a serious condition. As a health practitioner seeing so many victims of unmanaged stress – including myself – my sincere advice to all of you is: Have a stress management plan – it could save your life, and possibly the lives of others as well.

I often see overhwelmed mothers who feel they can’t take time out because of their children. They become tired, sick, and miserable; and then they snap at the kids. What model of healthy, sensible, organised lifestyle are they teaching their children? I have offered free massages and treatments to these women – and still they didn’t come!

Read this carefully:

A sure sign of stress is when you feel you don’t have the time to do something to manage it!

If you didn’t get it the first time, please read it again.

Stress nutrition

For a start do what the ancients have always done: stop what you are doing, and sit down properly for meals. A meal is an important event – and not an opportunity to fill a hole on the run. Consciously wind down before eating, and you will experience improved digestion, better resistance to stress, and improved mood.

Eat meals made from fresh, wholesome ingredients. Avoid processed foods and high-sugar foods. Increase colourful vegetables and fruits. Cut down on coffee, cola drinks, and alcohol.

Good eating habits, and nutritious foods, not only promote relaxation rituals to counterbalance stress during the day. They also provide the essential ingredients for your body to deal with stress efficiently.

Relaxation is the opposite of…

You got it! Nature’s remedy for stress is proper relaxation! This does not mean beers at the pub, or Martinis in front of the tv; nor gossiping with the girlfriends, or surfing the ‘Net (except for reading a page like this one!).

Proper relaxation involves turning your attention inwards – to yourself. How often do you do this?

There are thousands of relaxation techniques for stress relief. It doesn’t really matter which techniques you use; what matters is increasing self-awareness and consciously relaxing the body, emotions and mind. One of the profoundest, most systematic and most comprehensive methods for doing this is the science of Yoga.

Here is a powerful relaxation tip:

1. Sit comfortably with the spine upright, chest open, eyes and mouth shut.
2. Become aware of the natural flow of breath through the nostrils.
3. Deepen the breath and follow it in and out for several minutes.

Deep relaxation

After many years of “coping” with stress, it may take many people quite a while before they can recover a true sense of relaxation. Deep relaxation is a feeling of complete letting go, and of stillness of mind and body. It is at this point that a natural sense of serenity and joy resurfaces. It is at this point that the body can rebalance itself – and repair and regenerate itself.

Most people nowadays need to be guided towards deep relaxation. They need to be led to a space where they are reminded of what it feels like to be deeply, truly relaxed.

For people with serious illnesses like cancer, hypertension and depression, deep relaxation can offer them the best chance for healing, in whatever way is appropriate for them.

We can guide you

At Science of Life, we have created an amazingly effective programme to manage stress and allow you to lead a more productive, healthy, joyful, fulfilling life – for the whole of your life. We know how frustratingly difficult it can be to manage stress by yourself – and manage it you must.

After an in-depth consultation, we offer a programme of time-tested, synergistic tools to help you achieve deep relaxation, recover from chronic stress, and henceforth skilfully manage your stress as part of a healthy lifestyle.

The programme may include:

• diet and lifestyle recommendations
• traditional herbs for stress-adaptation, mental relaxation, improved sleep, and rejuvenating the tissues
• massage and body therapies to induce deep relaxation and improve health
• training in Yoga exercises, breathing techniques, meditation and guided relaxation
• Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES), an effective and safe microcurrent technology
• counseling and mental tools to reshape your beliefs around “stressful” factors

Stress management is the key to growth

As I said earlier, stress is the key to growth on all levels. It provides the opportunity to stretch your limits, to strengthen your muscles, to discover yourself. In the ancient Sanskrit writings it was described as Tapas, the fire that tempered the steel of your mind, to amazing sharpness and strength.

By managing stress in an organised way, you will come to see obstacles as challenges rather than as “problems” – in fact you will welcome them for the gift they bring. This is an incredibly empowering shift of consciousness. In a flash you will no longer see life as a series of fatalistic stressful events; but as a glorious journey of growth and creativity.

At Science of Life, we consider it a privilege to assist people achieve this shift in consciousness. In the future, I plan to offer more material to guide and inspire you in this process of transforming stress.

In the meantime, to find out more about the Science of Life Stress Management Programme, email us or call on 0800 23 50 23.

Copyright Gerald Lopez 2009. All Rights Reserved.

The root is often dried and ground into the characteristic bright yellow powder, so powerful it can be used as a dye. It’s taste is bitter, astringent and pungent, with a warming effect on the body. It is used in cooking to provide a spicy flavour in India, Malaysia, Indonesia and other Asian countries. Turmeric is a gentle digestive and promotes good bacteria in the gut.

It has antibacterial properties, and can be used externally on cuts and bites, to kill germs, stop bleeding and reduce pain.

Turmeric – often sold as the extract Curcumin – is a well-researched anti-inflammatory, and is commonly prescribed by natural health practitioners for arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. As an anti-inflammatory, it may also play a major role in reducing the world epidemic of heart disease.

As well as being an excellent digestive, turmeric improves cell metabolism. It particularly helps with fat metabolism, helping with weight loss and diabetes.

Turmeric supports the liver by helping it’s detoxification action. It is now recognised that many illnesses are caused by a liver that is stressed with toxic overload.

Research has shown turmeric to have significant anti-cancer properties. Ayurvedic experts say this is best achieved by slightly cooking the spice in oil, as in stir-fries or curries.

Because of its astringent properties, turmeric is often prescribed by ayurvedics for many forms of internal bleeding or excessive secretion.

Turmeric is said to improve skin complexion. Indian women make a turmeric paste and apply this on the skin. I often use a traditional herbal massage oil enriched with turmeric, for clients needing a warming massage.

With so many wonderful properties, turmeric should be considered as a regular nutrient for optimum health. For convenience you can take it as a Curcumin capsule daily. You can buy a high-quality source of Curcumin at our online store.

For more information on turmeric see:

Dr.Mercola’s recent article

World’s Healthiest Foods article

Technical monograph on BNet

Publisher: Healing Arts Press, USA

Paperback; 368 pages

Available from amazon.com

A comprehensive guide to ayurvedic nutrition and cooking by a pre-eminent female authority on Ayurveda. This book gives a clear introduction to the principles of Ayurveda, including the body types (doshas); and how to apply them in a way that promotes not only health but also spiritual wellbeing.

Maya Tiwari emphasises the practice of ritual (sadhana) as a path to holistic wellness; especially the rituals of preparing and eating food. Ritual is nothing more than action with awareness – the rhythmic hand-pounding of spices; the sensuous kneading of dough; the langourous stirring of ghee as it bubbles on a fire. This practice brings back meaning to these essential activities, in an age of “convenience” instant foods that are eaten on the run, or in front of the television.

Tiwari asserts that it is precisely this loss of meaning, this disconnection with the vital processes of nutrition, that have led to poor digestion, inappropriate eating and cravings, and emotional emptiness that eventually lead to serious disease. Awareness and meaning in daily activities, on the other hand, lead to greater satisfaction in life, and a growing sense of love for oneself and all beings.

Full lists of foods for each dosha are given, along with tasty and wholesome recipes.

Ayurveda: A Life of Balance is a passionate, humane and compelling approach to Ayurveda and ayurvedic cooking – a book to be reread and treasured for a long time.

Available from amazon.com

Yet people treat illness as “bad luck”, as something that has visited them from the outside – usually by means of a germ, a virus, or an allergen. Even medical doctors fall for this erroneous, illogical way of perceiving illness. They look at the symptoms of the full-blown disease, try to treat them, and move on to the next patient without seeking the root of the disease, or how it could be prevented. This is a tragic shame, because it is such a superficial approach – and it is often done too late to easily restore the body to its previous health.

For thousands of years, Ayurveda – like other traditional systems of medicine – has concerned itself with the causes of disease, right from the first state of imbalance. In fact, Ayurveda identifies six stages of disease, of which only the fifth – the full-blown disease – is currently recognised by medical doctors.

By trying to understand the initial stages of disease, we can then take steps to prevent its development. We can adjust the diet or lifestyle factors that are causing the imbalance; we can take gentle herbs or spices to steer the body back to balance; we can take responsibility and control over our health; and we then have the opportunity to strive for optimum, dynamic health.

You can only do this if you take responsibility, if you develop self-awareness, and if you have a set of tools and concepts with which to work. Ayurveda, helped by Yoga, can give you this.

It starts by identifying your predominant qualities, and classifying them into the doshas of Vata, Pitta or Kapha. Knowing about Vata, Pitta and Kapha gives you a language with which to analyse the ebb and flow of your natural qualities.

If you are Vata, you can observe the rise and fall of the Air element, and its qualities of lightness, coolness, dryness, erratic movement, and roughness. If you are Pitta, you can monitor the rise and fall of the Fire element, with its qualities of hotness and sharpness. If you are Kapha, you can watch the goings on of the Water and Earth elements, with their qualities of inertia, denseness, weight, stickiness and steadiness.

By observing yourself with your increasing self-awareness, you watch the cycles of the qualities, knowing when to balance them by applying the opposite qualities.

If Vata rises, think of increasing warm and grounding qualities, for example with warm winter foods. If Pitta rises, the keyword is “cooling” – in foods, lifestyle habits, even the colours that you wear. If Kapha increases, think of lightening and heating actions, such as the use of hot spices, vigorous exercise, or saunas.

When we sail from one port to another, we set a course to follow. It is practically impossible to always be exactly on course – all sailors continually make small adjustments, because they are continually off course. Likewise, with our health, we are continually exposed to factors that alter our balance. So, if we have the awareness, we can continually make decisions and choices that gently help restore balance.

Staying healthy is a lifelong commitment. It is not a yearly medical checkup. It is not a weekly salad or round of golf. It is the choices you make at every moment, guided by constant self-awareness. This is not an onerous chore, it is a real experience of the constant play of life. You get in touch with your vitality, the buzz that keeps you alive from moment to moment. You are your own navigator!

You will no longer ignore the discomforts that signal imbalance. You will no longer put off the natural urges of the body, such as the need to sleep, to yawn, to eat, to belch, to go to the toilet. You will no longer put up with the discomfort of overeating, or of having eaten the wrong foods. Like a wild animal, you will respond to natural instinct. As a human, you will additionally use your discernment and judgement to make clear, correct decisions that positively affect your health.

Over the next few weeks, I will share practical ways of fine-tuning your health through diet, lifestyle choices, daily routines, herbs, body therapies and Yoga.